Tips for first-time buyer

[mkauffman]

Hi gang.

Thirty years after bidding farewell to my 128 3P, I'm coming home to Fiat and looking to buy what I suppose we can all agree is just about the best looking convertible two-seater ever made. I'm leaning toward an early-80s model (though I know there are hearty fans of the early 70s as well) and was looking for any tips you'd care to offer about what to look for -- and what to look out for -- when inspecting and test-driving cars. Any known trouble spots in Spiders to pay special attention to? Any shortcuts for separating a well-maintained vehicle from a lemon with a nice paint job? Beyond the obvious, any questions I should be sure to ask the owner? Any and all advice greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Matt

[So Cal Mark]

I'd check the front crossmember from underneath for cracks where it mounts to the unibody. It will be easier to assess a particular car when you find it. Take as many pics as you can and post them

[zachmac]

Matt,

Welcome, where are you located? What's your budget? Are you looking for a project, a driver or a restored car? What are your mechanical skills? These all factor into the answer.

[mdrburchette]

How much money do you want to spend. More money = less work.

[Zmatt]

check under the body for rust. carpet and body panels can hide some serious rust spots. my parts car looked ok until i pulled the carpet and kickout panels. There were gaping rust holes in the floor and sides. the wheel wells also rust. Don't be afraid of a dirty engine that's a simple fix, and torn door panels, bad dash are expensive fixes, so good ones are a big plus.

[mkauffman]

All good questions. I'm in Connecticut. Definitely not looking for a project car -- I don't have the skills or the equipment and haven't done anything much more involved than wires/plugs/cap/rotor type work. But I'm not looking for a concours car either (though I've seen some beauties in the 15-20K range - which is well beyond my means). And it won't bother me if there are some cosmetic or minor issues to work on -- I'm just hoping to avoid a serious mechanical or structural issue. So I'd guess I'd say a reliable driver (though not a daily driver) that won't strand me on a Sunday outing. Based on what I see on ebay and craigslist, I'm hoping for something in the 5,000 to 7,000 range. Naturally, virtually all the ads tout their great driving condition, so I'm just looking for any tips on what to ask or look or listen for to avoid a headache. Thanks!

[Fiat88]

Look out for rusty shock towers, major structural concern.

[BEEK]

rust! most everything else is easy to repair. there is lots of technical help here for most anything you will find you need. cracked crossmsmber on the 79 and later cars, good idea to check, though easily repaired, i suggest you look to make sure the crossmember is still bolted in , not welded. the mounting bolts get loose and if not tightened during regular service will pull out of the frame rails, still repairable but more work. if the chassis has shock tower rust, i would recomend finding another, it is repairable, but if the shock towers are gone the rest of the car is most likely the same. holes in the floorboards are not the end of the world, especialy if you are not going for a concours car. cut out the rust and weld in new metal. it is a plus if the front suspension has been overhauled, new bushings and ball joints, tie rod ends ect. if it hasnt, its going to need it. again not hard work but if you are mechanically challanged can be a little expensive. myself i would look for the most solid chassis i can find, and fix anything else. the rubber "doughnut' on the front of the drive shaft, i would recomend replacing that and a timing belt on anything you buy, unless you can prove the age of those parts.
lastly go with the model you like the best, some like early cars others only 82's, ive owned and driven them all, each has its own quirks. the early cars drive a bit rougher, the later a bit more refined. but all fun to drive!

[zachmac]

If you can you should hop in the car and drive to Asheville, NC July 8-11 to attend some of the Fiat Freak Out. It's the one location where you'll find more Spiders than you can shake a stick at and get to see first hand what cars sell for / are worth. Barring that, find out when / where the next Fiat Lancia Unlimited club meet or car show is close by and go. Join a club and get to know members. That's where you'll most likely find the best car for your $'s.

[adrians]

Perhaps this document will help !

Buying Guide Fiat 124 Spiders

http://home.people.net.au/~sandrin/Buyi ... piders.pdf

[mkauffman]

Thanks guys. This was enormously helpful. I'll let you know how it goes.

Matt

[supplyguy]

Found this thread useful, including the Fiat 124 buying guide. Query whether anyone has cracked the code on buying a Fiat Spider long distance, i.e. sight unseen other than photos? Is it really possible to find an impartial mechanic to inspect? Is Carfax much a help (obviously can't identify rust!)? There are some nice Fiats out there in my price range....just not where I will be moving next month. Appreciate any help.

[Exit98]

Hi Supplyguy,

I bought my Spider sight unseen via ebay and craigslist. I found it in LA. Here is the link explaining my search.

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 277#p71277

I'm in NJ and had it shipped cross country. You can imagine how I was on pins and needles waiting for it to arrive and t see it for the first time. SoCal and Arizona/New Mexico cars (real ones) are the way to go to avoid the rust.

But taking my time and looking over a whole bunch of Fiats before I finally pulled the trigger really helped me. And since I got the car I've learned much more.

If you get interested in a car far away there might be a forum member who will volunteer to look it over for you.

Good Luck and let us know how things progress.

[supplyguy]

Very helpful Doug. Jealous too......have always wanted a yellow sports car. Not many out there. Your posting was reassuring though.